Counselor Education, MA

Do you feel called to create meaningful change? If so, UCF’s master’s in counseling program provides the knowledge and know-how to guide others through life’s challenges, support emotional well-being and foster resilience in individuals and communities. Choose from two distinct specializations — Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling — where you’ll graduate prepared to turn purpose into practice as either a licensed professional counselor or certified school counselor.

Here, your lived experience matters more than test scores. Our holistic admission process reflects our belief that great counselors come from all backgrounds and are driven by a shared calling to service. The program blends rigorous academic preparation with real-world application, empowering you to develop the competence and confidence needed to thrive as a future counselor. 

At UCF, you’ll learn from expert faculty with deep experience addressing trauma, addiction, chronic illness, child and adolescent therapy, and more — offering you broad exposure and the opportunity to find your own professional path. They’ll become your mentors and biggest cheerleaders, coaching, supporting and challenging you to grow into ethical, effective, self-reflective practitioners. 

Throughout the program, you’ll build skills in active listening, clinical assessment, ethical decision-making and interpersonal communication — while deepening your self-awareness, emotional intelligence and cultural competence. You’ll also be introduced to both time-tested and innovative approaches to counseling, from evidence-based practices to integrated health approaches. 

Through clinical experience — in clinics, hospitals, schools and community organizations — you’ll graduate with the real-world experience and requirements to earn your credentials. Most students train on-campus through our Community Counseling and Research Center and go on to train off-campus directly through one of our many community partners, including Aspire Health Partners, Grace Medical Home, Orange and Seminole County Public Schools and Orlando Health.

But learning doesn’t begin or end with program requirements. That’s why you’ll also benefit from a tight-knit, supportive learning community that values collaboration, personal growth and ongoing professional development.

So whether your goal is to support children in schools, provide counseling in community or healthcare settings or advocate for mental health access at a systemic level, UCF’s Master of Arts in Counselor Education will prepare you to lead with integrity, competence and evidence-based care — while connecting you with a like-minded community called to make the world a better place.